Windows Phone 8 to Feature Virtual Chat Room for Sharing Data

The Verge has learnt from sources close to Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 plans that it will be launching a new Rooms feature as part of a wave of new devices launching this year. Rooms will expand on the functionality of the existing Groups feature by enabling users to add friends and family members into a virtual chat room and share data.

Similar to traditional group chats, an invitation in the form of a text message will be sent to the selected individuals to join. Once accepted, participants can share data such as calendar, photos and notes in the private chat room. Besides having a Group Chat feature for participants to converse with one another, Microsoft will be adding "Best Friends" group and "Family Room" into the People Hub.